The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) is an incorporated society of members, represented by a Board of Governance.
NZDSN was formed in 2010 and is a network of not-for-profit organisations and some for-profit NGOs that provide support services to disabled people, mainly through contracts with government.
NZDSN takes a pan-disability perspective on the sector.
NZDSN is governed by a Board elected from the wider membership, and is serviced by a full-time Chief Executive and a small, mainly part-time support team.
Our Team
Peter Reynolds
Chief Executive
Peter joined NZDSN in August 2021 after 11 years leading the largest provider membership group in early childhood education in NZ. Prior to that, Peter spent nearly 20 years in public health management, much of this in the health and disability space. He is passionate about bringing value to members and reflecting their views to those who influence the way disability support services are designed and delivered. Peter is married to Margaret, a retired registered nurse. They have an adult daughter, Kristen, who is studying website and graphic design.
Office Manager
Dr Solmaz Nazari Orakani
Policy Analyst
Dr Solmaz Nazari is a disability researcher with 10 years’ experience in the disability sector as a researcher, activist, and advocate. Solmaz contributes to NZDSN’s policy and research portfolio to remove barriers to the aspirations of disabled people and work towards implementing policies and practices that move us closer to an inclusive society. Besides her involvement in the disability community in various capacities, Solmaz is a postdoctoral research fellow at Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington
Kristi Shaw
Regional Co-ordinator – Auckland
Kristi Shaw has a Masters of Applied Practice (Community Development & Mental Health), a PGDip Counselling (Narrative Therapy) and a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management. She has spent 25 years in NZ building stronger connected communities through her experience in management (recreation and environment centres), community development (disability, youth, families, seniors, migrants) and counselling (narrative therapy). Kristi is very interested in using a community development approach for improving the health and wellbeing of children and their families who experience disability (visible and invisible).
Our Board
Sean Stowers (Board Chair)
Karen Scott (Deputy Chair)
Carissa Pereira
Tania Thomas
Colene Herbert
Samantha Lee
Tony Marsden
John Taylor
Pip Stewart
Jonathan Mosen
Richard Williams
From our Constitution, our Purpose is…
to promote, encourage, support and represent members in regards to the provision of high quality equitable disability services and support for disabled people and families throughout New Zealand to enable good lives.
Our Vision for the future is …
an inclusive New Zealand where all disabled people are valued, their human rights are promoted and protected, and they are enabled to maximise their potential as citizens.
Our Values are:
- We are committed to work in a manner that upholds the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles
- We are committed to the UNCRPD and its principles
- We are committed to the principle of mana Motuhake (self-determination) of disabled people
- Being a strong advocate for our members and the sector
- Where needed and appropriate, we will agitate to ensure the voice of our members is heard and seek to make a strong impact to ensure our member’s issues are addressed
- We are transparent in all that we do
- We are responsive to the needs of our members and timely in offering advice and support
- We desire a strong partnership with our members, with others in the disability sector and with those who design and implement policy and service purchasing and funding frameworks
- We are committed to unifying our sector so that every disabled person feels they are consistently enabled to enjoy a good life.
NZDSN Strategic Plan 2022 -2027 pdf